Anonymous asked this question on 4/26/2000:
If you are truly an expert then you will understand the GAF. I have a history of TIA's, a high profile stressful job from which I am medically retired due to major clinical depression and ptsd. I read where different GAF levels affect life expectancy and suicide rates. For exmaple a GAF patienct with a 50 score has a twenty percent chance of reaching his life expectancy. Do you know why? The chances of suicide triple from the general public but I can understand that. Thanks.
rammice gave this response on 4/26/2000:
I am not a doctor...i will tell you what i know from my experience and research.
a site that may be of interest to you is:
http://www.whfreeman.com/abnormalpsychology/DSM02.htm
My personal score was 50 on the GAF scale. I believe that the reason that a patient with this score has a twenty percent chance is the fact that there is such a drastic effect on their day to day functioning....at this score and lower, patients have a much more difficult time taking care of themselves in a healthy manner....and the cumulative effect of this poor care can result in poorer health - physically, and thus be at a higher risk to die. I think that it is the combination of poor mental health and physical health that diminishes the chances of full life expectancy.
again, i am not a doctor....this is my opinion.
i hope i have helped.
Anonymous asked this follow-up question on 4/27/2000:
Thnks, My GAF was 40 at hospitalzation, 50 at discharge, and I would guess not much higher than that now. I suffered from this disease several years before it manifested itself. It took almost two years to receive my workman's comp. So, it was not like I walked out of the hospital into an ideal situation, I did not. I think my theorey of shortened life expectancy is this; it is not so much the neglect now asit was the strain on the body before meds, etc. For exmaple I am 46 but the cardiologist says my heart is 75 (just fine other than that, geez, thanks Doc) I also have macular and retina degeneration , also as if I were in my mid seventies. I will check the site you said. I use to be a 99 so the change is hard to deal with. Do you agree with my theorey? My name is shortbob and am retired from the IRS. Mgt made me ill, not the public.
rammice gave this response on 4/27/2000:
I do agree that you probably put alot of strain on yourself before medications were administered....and i do think it is because of the lack of appropriate and sufficient self care because of the emotional problems. And i agree that the change is very difficult to deal with....i was a straight a student and i was always in leadership roles...once i started having these symptoms, i regressed and now i cant keep an appropriate job or take care of some basic daily needs....i am depressed about being depressed if you know what i mean.
i have the main site address...the one i gave was a listing of GAF's so you could get a better understanding of them...here ya go:
http://www.usm.maine.edu/psy/gayton/333/5_07.html
I do not know if you are in counseling on a regular basis...but i also want to say that it can help....i am in individual and group counseling....it can help with the daily struggles you have coping with this change.
peace....and happiness....
Anonymous asked this follow-up question on 5/19/2000:
sorry for the delay in my responce. I had another TIAaweek ago from last saturday;then a new medical problem developed so I have felt really miserible. Am in process of studying the two sites you recommended. I have two private sessions with a psychologist a week and see my psychiatrist every 6 to 8 weeks. take xanax, zoloft wellbutrin and trazodone. I am pretty content with what I do now. I know that I had successes in life good army tour,reserve tour, irs agent (I worked in collection and received@30 letters from CPA/Attys when I was fighting for workman's comp..took two years.) I coached my boys in baseball or helped for 9 years...great memories of a happy time. I have reached the conclusion that life is not a contest and I don't have to prove myself to anyone. Took me years to realize that. My only regret is I did not major in journalism/professional writing. that is my first love and I do not think I"d be in my present condition if I had. thanks again for your responces. I'm here if you ever need some on line group! God Bless.
rammice gave this response on 5/19/2000:
I wish you peace...take care.
sincerely, charley jo landers